Rut Season in Bear Valley: Police Urge Drivers to Watch for Wildlife

It is rut season for wildlife in Bear Valley. For those not acquainted with the term, rut season is their breeding season. During rut season, animals experience a shift in behavior, often becoming more territorial and aggressive. Between the behavior changes and the increase in the population, we typically see an increase in vehicle accidents involving wildlife from September to December.

As of September 17, the Bear Valley Police Department has received reports of more than 20 large animals killed by vehicles in Bear Valley in 2025.

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Over the next few months, we encourage everyone to take extra care while on the road to keep additional crashes to a minimum:

• Reduce your speed

• Scan ahead, watching both sides of the road

• When driving at night, maintain a speed that allows you to stop within the range of your headlights

• Avoid all distractions and maintain focus on the road

• If you see an animal in the road, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving to avoid a crash can cause you to lose control

• When safe, use your high beams at night to increase visibility

• If you see one animal, there are likely more around.

The Bear Valley Police Department is also adding wildlife crossing signs in high-risk areas to remind drivers to be cautious.

If you are involved in an accident involving an animal, regardless of whether it is killed, please contact Bear Valley Police Department dispatch at 661-861-3110.

Thank you all for your efforts to make our community safe for drivers and wildlife alike.

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